Former Ottawa Senators coach Cory Clouston has been hired as coach of the Western Hockey League's Brandon Wheat Kings.
He's replacing Kelly McCrimmon, who resigned after seven seasons to focus solely on his role as general manager.
Clouston had spent the previous three seasons coaching the Senators, but was fired at the end of the 2010-11 season.
"Cory is a tremendously proven, experienced head coach," McCrimmon said. "He's had great success in the WHL, in Kootenay as well as four years of professional experience since then. He will add value to our organization and contribute positively to the development of our coaching staff and players."
Clouston has experience in the WHL, having coached the Kootenay Ice for five seasons (2001-07). He went 209-114-37, went to the playoffs each season and was named WHL Coach of the Year twice.
"Coming to Brandon and joining the Wheat Kings is a great fit ... both hockey wise and for me and my family," Clouston said. "The Wheat Kings have always been one of the most respected teams in junior hockey and having the opportunity to work with Kelly is something that I'm really looking forward to."
Clouston went 95-83-20 in two full seasons with the Senators and part of a third. He replaced Craig Hartsburg 48 games into the 2008-09 season, and in 2009-10 he guided the Senators to a fifth-place finish in the Eastern Conference. Last season, however, the Senators finished 13th in conference.
Contact Adam Kimelman at akimelman@nhl.com. Follow him on Twitter: @NHLAdamK
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